Can CNMs in Utah attend homebirths?

Thank you, Sienna - the state fact sheet for UT at ACNM didn't list homebirth in CNM practice areas - not that that necessarily excludes it, but it's not too encouraging. I couldn't get to the state by state laws and regulations page because I'm not a paying member. The state board of licensing was far less detailed in describing CNM scope than LM and didn't mention homebirth. I'm thinking maybe the problem is that CNMs just can't find backing physicians in UT for homebirths? Still, though, don't LMs have to have a backup physician as well? I can't figure it out.

Apgar, you are saying that a CNM should be able to do anything an LDEM can?

Thanks, Apgar. I see what you're saying about licensing.

You're right - there's certainly nothing in the state licensing law limiting the practice setting of a CNM, and the "consulting physician" doesn't need to be present or even supervisory. I'm wondering about the provision of "manage the intrapartum period according to accepted standards of nurse midwifery practice and a written practice and referral plan". It's defined as "a written plan entered into with a consulting physician and detailing guidelines by which a certified nurse midwife consults, collaborates, and refers patients." It sounds more like the CNM is sort of a distant partner to the doc, rather than someone he dictates to and takes responsibility for. So, it doesn't...sound... like a collaborating physician should be hard to find.... Of course, real life may be different.

So, yay! It sounds like CNMs are wide open for homebirths here in UT, but I don't understand why none can be found who attend them. It just seems suspicious. I guess my next step should be checking on the Utah Medical Association. I could imagine them having a standard against supporting homebirth CNMs. (I just read a paper about how concerned ACOG is with the recent legislations in many states supporting DEMs and homebirth. One of their big tiffs was that CNMs had proved fickle allies in the fight against legislation allowing DEM licensing. I was amused.) Anyway, so far things sound good, but the last thing I want would be to go all the way through nursing and grad school and find out that I can't practice where I want to.

My research will continue! I've been thinking about it, though, and I think that doing FNP and LM would be a pretty good way to go, too, even if NM doesn't work out for my particular goals. (Unless I move next door to CO, that is. It's too bad, it's a nice state. I just don't get it - it makes no sense. Who would have even thought up the idea that nurses and midwives were just not compatible w/o a graduate degree involved? A struggling CNM program, maybe?)

Thank you so much, Apgar. You are a wonderful resource. Will you tell me more about yourself? You live in CA, right? Where? Tell me the story about your call to midwifery. You too, Senna. What is your background?

Hooray! I've found a CNM in Utah who attends homebirths. It's amazing how hard I had to look to find her, though. I'll be getting in touch with her. Thanks!